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Never one to shy away from a challenge, Butler did no such thing. She knew Black women and other women of color wanted cosmetic options that better suited their skin tones and continued making her vegan, cruelty-free, and affordable lip products. Butler did not find success overnight, and it might have seemed the sharks had a point. But she began to make headway into retail outlets, and in 2022, The Lip Bar closed $6.7 million in seed funding. The company now has a flagship store in Detroit and sits on shelves in over 500 Walmart and 750 Target stores. Butler announced in early 2023 that The Lip Bar is now the largest Black-owned makeup brand on Target shelves. Former first lady Michelle Obama and actress Taraji P. Henson have both worn the company’s shades. As her company continues to expand and roll out new products, Butler doesn’t shy away from her less-successful past — she actively celebrates it. The Lip Bar CEO regularly tells her story and even placed a billboard in her hometown of Detroit, noting how she beat the odds. It read: “‘Shark Tank’ told me to quit. 10 years and 2 million units sold. Thanks, Mr. Wonderful.” These days, even Mr. Wonderful is on board. In a 2022 interview, O’Leary admitted that he got it wrong. “They were facing an almost impossible task,” he said. “They pulled it off, so you gotta applaud them.” Impressed by how she beat the odds, MarthaStewart.com asked Butler last year what advice she had for other entrepreneurs. “Keep working towards your goals,” she responded. “Because your idea will never become reality if you don’t do it.”
FROM ‘SHARK TANK’ REJECT TO STAR CEO HOW MELISSA BUTLER OVERCAME FAILURE
Melissa Butler, CEO of skin care and cosmetics company The Lip Bar, had her first brush with fame when she appeared on a 2015 episode of “Shark Tank.” But it was almost her last. The “sharks” not only didn’t like her idea — they mercilessly skewered it. Butler’s journey began in 2012 when she decided the beauty industry needed more diversity and natural ingredients. So, she started mixing her own lipstick shades in her kitchen. But when she presented her bold and beautiful creations on “Shark Tank,” the experts called them “clown makeup.” Kevin O’Leary, also known as “Mr. Wonderful,” was particularly harsh. He told her the cosmetics market was oversaturated and that she should quit while she could.
OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST “Case Barnett Law is an outstanding law firm that helped me through a lawsuit involving a traumatic brain injury. They have a wonderful team. Their paralegal Paige Smoot was always prompt in keeping me updated on my case. Conor Mulvaney, my attorney, was especially helpful. He took the time to explain
“I have practiced criminal law and been a trial lawyer for almost 30 years. When I suffered a catastrophic injury, I spoke with three different lawyers who I had known for many years to include Case Barnett. The other two lawyers were hesitant to take the case because I had signed a waiver — one refused it altogether. Case, on the other hand, did a little research and enthusiastically agreed to represent me. He assigned his outstanding and experienced associate Dena Weiss to work the case and that was it. About 24 months after hiring him, I had a very healthy six-figure settlement, a far cry from the pessimism of the other lawyers. Since hiring Case, I have heard of many other clients he has gotten good results for, and tellingly, I know of several lawyers from different fields who have referred him cases. As such, I would enthusiastically recommend Case Barnett and the Law Offices of Case Barnett for any personal injury matter.” –Marine W.
each step in the legal process and made me feel like I had someone in my corner. More than any of that, Conor went the extra mile to get to know me and the pain I went through. It really made me feel like he and the law firm had my best interest in mind. I am very grateful to have had Conor Mulvaney and Case Barnett Law represent me and would recommend their services to anyone and everyone.” –Gregory W.
This publication is intended to educate the general public about personal injury and elder abuse. It is not intended to be legal advice. Every case is different.
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